While I may appear to be the expert on all-things-frugal in Japan (ha!), there are some areas where my lack of experience fails me. Childraising and family-related areas unfortunately fall into this category — I have no children of my own yet.
However, giving birth and raising a child as a foreigner in Japan presents its own unique challenges and joys. One of the Frugal Japan community members has been nice enough to compile some advice for frugal moms-to-be in Japan.
Here is a teaser:
“Having a baby in Japan can, but doesn’t have to, be expensive. With a little research you can find many and varied ways to be frugal and have fun with children from the very earliest age.”
It all starts before your baby is even born. When you register your pregnancy at city hall (for those enrolled in National Health, you must register to get free prenatal care), ask about parenting classes
(ryoshin gakkyu). Many places run free classes for mums (and dads) to be, covering the basics of pregnancy health, labor and caring for a newborn. These classes are quite popular and you may have to go on a list to attend one, so it’s best to inquire early. English classes are also available in Tokyo for a higher fee. See the following Web site for options:
http://www.geocities.com/tokyopregnancygroup/resources1.html
When stocking up on baby goods, ask about point cards. Akachan Honpo (Japan’s largest baby discount store) has a member’s card with a point system. They will send you out catalogues with specials and campaigns. I’m sure many other stores have similar systems.
An even more frugal option is recycle shops. In addition to general recycle shops like “Hard Off,” there are specialized children’s recycle shops selling new (secondhand but unused) and used clothes, toys and other goods at a fraction of the retail price. They are a goldmine: with clothing from Y50, and slings and carry packs from Y500, you can outfit your baby very frugally indeed. And when your little one has outgrown the baby bath or highchair, you can sell it back to the shop and free up space in your house.
All very useful and practical information that is sure to be helpful to those who are already parents, or who might be expecting. Check out www.frugaljapan.com in the near future for this and other useful articles on frugal childraising, frugal tips and more!
© 2004 Wendy J. Imura.